First it was Tiger versus Phil, then quarterbacks Tom Brady and Peyton Manning made the sequel a foursome. This time around, Phil Mickelson and Charles Barkley will challenge Manning and NBA superstar Steph Curry in Capitol One’s The Match: Champions of Change.
A basketball star who has played in a pro tournament. Another former hoops legend with a legendarily awful golf swing. An NFL legend, and, of course, Phil Mickelson. That’s the makeup of the third version of “The Match,” a made-for-TV event that will be played in Arizona at the end of November.
The event will see Mickelson return alongside NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, challenging Peyton Manning and Golden State Warrior super star Steph Curry.
As was the case with the first two installments, the upcoming event will have a central philanthropic component, raising money and awareness to facilitate greater inclusion and diversity in sports, with donations going to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HCBUs). The match will take place on November 27, at 3 p.m. ET, and will be played at Stone Canyon Golf Club in Oro Valley, Arizona.
“Capital One’s The Match has become a franchise featuring some of the best in sports and entertainment, and we’re looking forward to this next iteration and the meaningful awareness it will raise for social change,” said Lenny Daniels, President of Turner Sports, the event’s hosting sponsor.
The first version of the event saw Tiger Woods take on Mickelson at Shadow Creek in a pay-per-view event where Mickelson prevailed. Woods and Manning won the second playing of the event, bettering Mickelson and NFL quarterback Tom Brady.
Although the commentating team has yet to be announced, viewers can expect lively needling throughout the round, as players will again have live mics and two-way communication with the booth. Barkley, who commentated on the first two matches, will find himself on the receiving end of ribbings, partnering with Mickelson to defeat Curry and Manning. “While we may need a handicap for Chuck, I’m looking forward to playing with Peyton and Stephen and to help raise money for another important cause,” said Mickelson.
As was evident during the previous match, the banter and competitive chirping can be more entertaining than the golf at times, offering viewers a rare inside-the-ropes seat to watch four sporting legends battle it out. “With Phil, Charles, Steph and Peyton on the course, there’s sure to be no shortage of must-see moments,” said Daniels.
Steph Curry, who’s been instrumental in establishing the men’s and women’s golf teams at Howard University, tweeted his intentions to involve himself in a future match event while watching the second one on television. Now he’s got his chance, teaming up with returning champion Peyton Manning. “I truly believe an investment in HBCUs is an investment in our future and I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to support these great institutions alongside some of my favorite players…and Chuck,” said Curry.
The format will be a modified alternate shot match play, with each player hitting a tee shot and teams deciding whose ball to put into play. Golf fans will also get a close look at Stone Canyon, an exclusive private course owned by Mickelson, which is regarded as one of the country’s best.
The match will be aired on TNT, with further viewing and event details to be released at a later time.